AFL-CIO

AFL-CIO
source
Name	AFL-CIO
Formation	1955
Merger	American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Region served	United States
Membership	12.5 million
Leader	Liz Shuler
Key people	Richard Trumka, John Sweeney, George Meany

AFL-CIO is a federation of labor unions in the United States, formed in 1955 by the merger of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations. The organization has a long history of advocating for workers' rights, with notable figures such as Samuel Gompers, John L. Lewis, and Walter Reuther playing key roles in shaping the labor movement. The AFL-CIO has worked closely with other organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Sierra Club, to promote social and economic justice. The organization has also been involved in various presidential elections, including the campaigns of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Barack Obama.

● History

The AFL-CIO was formed in 1955, when the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations merged to create a single, more powerful labor federation. The merger was led by George Meany, who became the first president of the AFL-CIO, and Walter Reuther, who played a key role in shaping the organization's early years. The AFL-CIO quickly became a major player in the American labor movement, working closely with other organizations, such as the United Auto Workers, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the Service Employees International Union. The organization has also been involved in various social movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Anti-War Movement, and the Women's Rights Movement, often working alongside notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Gloria Steinem.

● Organization

The AFL-CIO is a federation of 56 labor unions, representing over 12.5 million workers in the United States. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a network of state and local affiliates, including the California Labor Federation and the New York State AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO is also affiliated with the International Trade Union Confederation, which represents workers' interests globally, and has worked with other international organizations, such as the United Nations and the International Labour Organization. The organization has a number of departments and programs, including the AFL-CIO Center for Green Jobs, the AFL-CIO Department of Professional Employees, and the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council, which work to promote workers' rights and interests in areas such as job training, healthcare, and veterans' affairs.

● Leadership

The AFL-CIO is led by a president, who is elected by the organization's convention, and a executive council, which includes representatives from the organization's affiliated unions. The current president of the AFL-CIO is Liz Shuler, who succeeded Richard Trumka after his death in 2021. Other notable leaders of the AFL-CIO have included John Sweeney, who served as president from 1995 to 2009, and George Meany, who served as the organization's first president from 1955 to 1979. The organization has also been led by other notable figures, including Lane Kirkland and Thomas Donahue, who have played key roles in shaping the organization's policies and programs.

● Affiliates

The AFL-CIO has 56 affiliated unions, representing workers in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and public services. Some of the organization's largest affiliates include the Service Employees International Union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the United Food and Commercial Workers. The organization also has a number of smaller affiliates, including the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers. The AFL-CIO has worked closely with other labor organizations, including the Change to Win Federation and the National Education Association, to promote workers' rights and interests.

● Policy_and_Advocacy

The AFL-CIO is a major advocate for workers' rights and interests in the United States. The organization has been involved in a number of high-profile campaigns, including the fight for universal healthcare, the Employee Free Choice Act, and the Raise the Wage Act. The AFL-CIO has also worked to promote job training and apprenticeship programs, and has advocated for stronger labor laws and worker protections. The organization has worked closely with other advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Organization for Women, and the Sierra Club, to promote social and economic justice. The AFL-CIO has also been involved in various presidential administrations, including the Obama Administration and the Biden Administration, to shape policy and promote workers' interests.

● International_Affairs

The AFL-CIO is a member of the International Trade Union Confederation, which represents workers' interests globally. The organization has worked closely with other international labor organizations, including the European Trade Union Confederation and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, to promote workers' rights and interests around the world. The AFL-CIO has also been involved in various international campaigns, including the fight against sweatshop labor and the promotion of fair trade practices. The organization has worked with other international organizations, including the United Nations and the International Labour Organization, to promote social and economic justice globally. The AFL-CIO has also been involved in various international events, including the G20 summit and the World Economic Forum, to shape global policy and promote workers' interests.

Category:Labor unions in the United States